Life and Relationships

What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?

Scripture calls parents to train children in godly wisdom and discipline with patience and love, modeling faith consistently rather than provoking children to anger through harshness or neglect.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Biblical explanation

Parents are instructed to “train up a child in the way he should go,” with the promise that this foundation shapes character for life (), and to teach God's commandments diligently in the course of everyday life, whether at home or away (). Paul specifically warns fathers not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (), balancing correction with genuine love and encouragement. Discipline in Scripture is presented as an expression of love intended to shape character (), not harsh or abusive treatment, and parents are called to model consistent faith and integrity as the most powerful teaching tool of all.

In brief

Parents are instructed to “train up a child in the way he should go,” with the promise that this foundation shapes character for life (), and to teach God's commandments diligently in the course of everyday life, whether at home or away ().

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.